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Flashpoints
Will China’s military rival the United States’ in the Pacific? Will Japan abandon the constitutional fetters on its own military? How will India respond to the String of Pearls strategy? The Diplomat has put together a team of leading analysts to offer must-read, regular commentary on the big defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.
US Navy Destroyer Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation Near Gaven, Johnson Reefs
By Ankit Panda
The latest U.S. FONOP testing Chinese maritime claims comes at a time of heightened U.S.-China bilateral tensions.
F-35B Stealth Fighter Bombs Ground Target in Afghanistan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The F-35B has conducted its first close air support strike in Afghanistan on September 27.
US Flies 2 B-52H Bombers Over East and South China Seas
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Beijing has labelled the recent mission by U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers as “provocative.”
North Korea Is Not East Asia’s Only Flashpoint
By Rachel Xian
Nuclear issues may dominate headlines, but don’t ignore the building crisis in Hong Kong.
Fake Flags: At-Sea Sanctions Enforcement and Ship Identity Falsification
By Olivia Vassalotti and Cameron Trainer
Fraudulent ship registration makes the already challenge task of sanctions enforcement more difficult.
Amid Growing Bilateral Tensions, China Denies US Port Call Request for Hong Kong
By Ankit Panda
The decision to deny a port call was announced a day after the U.S. approved a possible arms package for Taiwan.
What Should the US Navy's New Large Surface Warship Look Like?
By Robert Farley
The U.S. Navy has some big decisions ahead of it.
How Can the US Manage Sino-Russian Rapprochement?
By Robert Farley
Mutual dislike for the U.S.-led order has brought Russia and China together.
Pyongyang Summit Declaration Strays From Denuclearization Goals
By Bruce Klingner
There's something familiar about the inter-Korean Pyongyang Declaration.
Japan Air Self Defense Force Intercepts Russian Fighter Aircraft
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian fighter jets approaching Japanese airspace on September 19.
What to Watch for at the Fifth Inter-Korean Summit
By Ankit Panda
Where do inter-Korean peace talks go from here?
Are France and the UK Here to Stay in the South China Sea?
By Tuan Anh Luc
Are the French and British navies here to stay in the South China Sea?